Network-Based Parallel Retrieval Onboard Computing Environment for Sensor Systems Deployed on NASA Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Remote Sensing Solutions proposes to develop the Network-based Parallel Retrieval Onboard Computing Environment for Sensor Systems (nPROCESS) for deployment on NASA's unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). The nPROCESS will provide a compact, efficient, reconfigurable computing environment that will achieve unparalleled real-time data processing, acquisition and distribution to provide new observations and improved sensitivity; provide a test-bed for measurement and algorithm development and testing for future mission risk reduction and demonstration; produce critical information for real-time decision making; and facilitate a path to reduce risks and installation / operational costs for deployment of new and existing sensors on NASA UAS platforms. The proposed innovations to realize nPROCESS are: (1) reconfigurable, object orientated system architecture that will provides far greater customization and expansion, (2) modularity at the hardware, firmware and software levels to adapt to the sensors needs at minimum cost and (3) high fidelity parallel processing and data distribution capabilities. Deployed with the HIWRAP on the NASA Global Hawk, nPROCESS will provide higher quality and real-time mapping of the three-dimensional wind profiles, ocean vector surface maps and precipitation winds within tropical cyclones.

The proposed effort will provide the NASA UAS community with a high fidelity, real-time data processing environment that will lower costs and reduce schedules in deploying new sensors on the NASA unmanned aircraft and potentially enhance the observations being obtained with current sensors. With NASA trying to expand its UAS program the timing and capabilities of this system are a very good fit.

The proposed effort will offer defense and commercial aerospace sectors a high fidelity processing environment that can be reconfigured for a variety of airborne mapping and surveillance activities as well as an advanced on-board processor capable of handling ultra wide-band applications and real-time parallel processing.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.